# Kosmos 21

> Soviet spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q1078290](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1078290)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_21)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-21

## Summary
Kosmos 21 was a Soviet spacecraft launched on November 11, 1963, as part of the 3MV probe design, likely intended for planetary exploration.

## Key Facts
- It was a 3MV-class uncrewed probe
- Launched on November 11, 1963, from Baikonur Cosmodrome
- Had a mass of 890 kilograms
- Was launched using a Molniya rocket
- Its orbital parameters included a periapsis of 195 km and an apoapsis of 229 km
- Had an orbital period of 88.5 minutes
- Was part of the Venera program
- Decayed and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 16, 1963

## FAQs
### Q: When was Kosmos 21 launched?
A: Kosmos 21 was launched on November 11, 1963.

### Q: What was its purpose?
A: It was part of the Soviet Venera program, likely intended for planetary exploration.

### Q: What were its orbital characteristics?
A: It had an orbital period of 88.5 minutes, orbital inclination of 64.8 degrees, and orbital eccentricity of 0.002583.

### Q: What was its mass?
A: Kosmos 21 had a mass of 890 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 21 represents an early Soviet effort in planetary exploration as part of the Venera program. As a 3MV-class spacecraft launched on a Molniya rocket, it contributed to the Soviet Union's space program during the early 1960s, which was part of the broader space race with the United States. The mission, though it ended with atmospheric entry on November 16, 1963, represented technological advancement and the Soviet Union's continued efforts to explore other planets.

## Notable For
- It was part of the 3MV probe design class
- Launched on a Molniya rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome
- Had specific orbital parameters including periapsis of 195 km and apoapsis of 229 km
- Was part of the Venera program for Venus exploration
- Represented early Soviet efforts in planetary exploration

## Body
### Launch and Mission
Kosmos 21 was launched on November 11, 1963, from Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Molniya rocket. It was classified as a 3MV-class uncrewed probe and had a mass of 890 kilograms. The spacecraft was part of the Soviet Venera program, which aimed at studying Venus.

### Orbital Characteristics
The spacecraft achieved an orbit with a periapsis (closest approach to Earth) of 195 kilometers and an apoapsis (farthest distance from Earth) of 229 kilometers. Its orbital period was 88.5 minutes, with an orbital inclination of 64.8 degrees and an orbital eccentricity of 0.002583.

### Mission Timeline
The spacecraft remained in orbit until November 16, 1963, when it experienced atmospheric entry. This marked the end of its mission, though the specific scientific objectives of the mission are not detailed in the provided sources.

### Program Context
As part of the 3MV design, Kosmos 21 was developed by the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia. The 3MV class was specifically designed for planetary missions, particularly the Venera program aimed at Venus exploration. The use of the Molniya rocket for launch indicates it was part of the Soviet Union's strategic space program during the early 1960s.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013